There are many different dust suppressant options; including water, petroleum products, non-petroleum products, electrochemical stabilizers, synthetic polymer products, chloride products, and more. Each dust control solution will have a slightly different application method and rate, and the most popular dust suppressant products are chlorides. Chloride products such as Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride prove to be the most effective dust suppressants due to their less frequent application rate and hygroscopic properties. These chloride products absorb moisture from the air and keep the road surfaces damp, thus limiting excessive dust production. Read more to find out how to apply these chloride chemical dust suppressant products.
See Magnesium Chloride Dust Control Product See Calcium Chloride Dust Control ProductHow to Prepare for Dust Suppressant Application
Choosing to treat your unpaved roadways, construction sites, horse arenas, or quarries with a dust suppressant has many benefits. Dust suppressants help to keep these areas safe for people, animals, and vehicles alike. Excessive amounts of dust can lead to reduced visibility and pose further dangerous health concerns for exposed people. Chlorides are the most effective way to minimize these risks and keep your road surfaces well maintained and operational.
A number of factors can determine the frequency and application rate of Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride products. These factors include the volume of traffic present on the roadway, the environmental conditions, and the concentration of the chloride products. If the roadway receives a lot of traffic every day, then it may require more frequent upkeep. This is especially true if heavy construction and transportation vehicles utilize these roadways often. If the surface of the roadway is very loose and wears easily, it will also require more frequent maintenance and chloride application to suppress excess amounts of dust.
Adequately preparing the roadway surface for the product will help to maximize your dust suppression process. One way to prepare is by repairing unstable ground. This process is important even though Magnesium and Calcium products act as stabilizers, they will not be as effective on surfaces in poor conditions. Additionally, all surfaces should be properly drained before using dust suppressant products. Adequate drainage of the road site helps to avoid the ground softening and potentially causing potholes. It’s recommended that the gravel has a good gradation and strong percentage of fine material to improve the binding process.
Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride Application Rate
It is best to apply dust suppressant chloride products after a rainfall to aid in the ground surface absorption. You can risk having the products wash away if application happens right before it rains. Spring, for example, is a great season to treat your dust producing roadways after the rain. Both Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are available in flake or liquid form. For flake application, utilize spinner disc spreaders, tailgate spreaders, or lime drill spreaders. For liquid application, you can use tank trucks with spray bars.
Manufacturers recommend that the application rate for roads that were treated with product in the past is .5 to 1 pounds of chloride flake per square yard. Roads that have never been treated before should be applied with 1 to 1.5 pounds of chloride flakes per square yard. Application rates for liquid products can range from 1 to 2 pounds per square yard. Follow up applications may only require 50% of the initial dose as treatment continues. For most effective application, make sure the roadways are optimally moist before product application.
Get a Quote on Dust Control Products and Services
It is imperative that all workers take the necessary safety precautions when applying any dust suppressant. This includes wearing goggles, masks, and rubber gloves while handling products. Hiring a professional team ensures that the application process is smooth and the Magnesium or Calcium Chloride products are effective. Rasevic Companies offers premium dust control services. Get a quote on your next job today!